ILLINOIS STATE ARCHIVES

Hard Times in Illinois, 1930–1940

A Selection of Documents from the Illinois State Archives

DOCUMENT 36
LETTER COMPLAINING OF UNFAIR TREATMENT UNDER A FEED AND SEED LOAN PROGRAM
February 22, 1935

Explanation

Since 1931 the federal government had appropriated funds to supply destitute farmers loans of feed to nourish their livestock and seed to plant cash crops. The director of the Illinois Department of Agriculture responded to Mr. Birchler's letter on February 26. He explained that although the federal loan program for this purpose had been allowed to expire, that Congress had passed an extension which presently was awaiting the president's signature. The new legislation had been passed on an emergency basis so as to provide for spring planting.

Concluding, Director McLaughlin pointed out that this was a federal and not a state program, and that although state officials were cooperating with federal authorities as closely as possible, federal rules and regulations had to be followed.

Points to Consider

What was Alex Birchler asking Governor Horner to do?

Locate Coulterville on a map.

What was the inequity Mr. Birchler was addressing?

Was the government always fair in its relief efforts?